This theme issue discusses education of gifted students in the areas of math and science. The issue contains several articles, an editorial, a program description, and a profile of an educator. "Our Most Important Investment for the Future: The Education of Our Youth" (Marian C. Diamond) describes educational programs of the Lawrence Hall of Science of the University of California at Berkeley. "Making Math and Science Accessible and Meaningful to Girls: An Economic Imperative" (Mary Thomas-Vallens) offers new paradigms for bias-free math and science education. "Accelerating in Mathematics: Academic and Social-Emotional Impact" (Terry A. Thomas) reports findings of a study of the benefits from Academic Talent Search fast-paced mathematics instruction. In "Barbara Graham's Animal Classroom," Barbara Graham discusses the role of animals such as mice, frogs, snakes, fish, and birds in sixth-grade math investigations, science themes, and literary works. "Fast-Paced High School Science for the Academically Talented: A Six-Year Perspective" (Sharon J. Lynch) discusses a summer residential program initiated by the Johns Hopkins University Center for the Advancement of Academically Talented Youth. Other articles include: "Mathematical Thinking at Its Best" (Marcy Cook) and "Math in Motion: A Hands-On Creative Approach to Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools Using Origami" (Barbara Pearl). (Most papers contains references.) (JDD)